We bid farewell to the matriarch of the Berry family …
Eileen Sharon (Freeman) Berry was born in Palmdale, Calif., on April 7, 1946, to parents Melvin and Eva (Chase) Freeman. She passed away, surrounded by loved ones, at home in Morgantown, on Jan. 1, 2020.
In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Freeman, a daughter, Lisa Pyles, and her husband of 36 years, Dale B. Berry.
Eileen is survived by four children, all of Morgantown: a son, John P. Berry, and daughters, Elizabeth Berry Bartolo and husband Joseph E. Bartolo, with whom she shared a home, Rebekah Berry-Tasker and Daleen Berry. She was the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, including: Cassandra (Wade) Harvey, Courtney (Phillip) Austin, Jocelyn Claire, Zachary Wine, Destinee Pyles, Emilee Pyles, Quinn (Andrea) Berry, Willem Berry, Ronan Berry, Marlee Berry, John T. Berry, Chloe Berry-McDonald, Charles Harvey, Timothy Harvey, Isabel Harvey, Grizzly Austin and Cheyenne Michelle.
Two sisters survive Eileen: Melva Plunkett, of Texas, and Nira Ursino, of Calif.; as well as two lifelong best friends, whom she loved dearly: Nita Greaser, of Preston County. and Bruce Gurholt, of Sheboygan, Wis. Eileen was comforted to the end by her dogs and grand-doggies, especially Mama, Trudy and “The Little Redhead.”
Eileen was a Jehovah’s Witness by faith, having attended meetings at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kingwood for many years, and faithfully attending the Kingdom Hall in Morgantown for the past several years.
Eileen was a teacher long before she attained her teaching certificate. As her husband would readily admit, she raised her five children and several grandchildren as a single mother. We will be forever grateful for her kind and generous spirit, the sacrifices she made on our behalf and the unconditional love she bestowed on us.
One indisputable truth about Eileen is that she was an animal lover and advocate. This woman, who might have trouble speaking up for herself, would take on someone twice her size if she thought they were mistreating an animal. In her honor, please consider making a donation to your local animal shelter, or better yet, spend some time volunteering at one, as Eileen often did before her health failed.
Liz and Joe would like to thank the many friends and family who offered their support during Eileen’s illness and decline: Cassandra and Wade, who helped Eileen attend and participate in meetings of worship at the Morgantown Kingdom Hall; Courtney and Phillip, who helped Eileen maintain her independence for many years, then took over caring for her beloved Red Brick; John, her “handsome little man” for keeping watch and letting us catch a few hours of shut-eye; her buddy Helen Bartolo, who always had a hug, laugh and margarita ready to share with Eileen; young Reagan and Olivia, who gave respite and kindness beyond their years; our work families who always included and inquired after Eileen; the neighbors, friends and family who brought food and drink, texted and called and let us know you were wishing Eileen well as she made her final descent; and many, many employees of various care agencies. Eileen loved you all, and we do as well.
A celebration of Eileen’s life and legacy will be held at McCulla Funeral Home in Westover, 770 Fairmont Road, from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 11. Visitation and fellowship will be shared, with a service memorializing her life and faith at 4 p.m., given by her grandson-in-law and fellow Jehovah’s Witness, Wade Harvey.
Goodnight, sweet Eileen. You have been, and always shall be, our queen.
